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London Mini Break | 3 Day | 2026 route map

London’s calling! Welcome to this historic capital of culture and commerce, as you settle into your central digs at the Royal National Hotel in Russell Square (AKA easy access to all your fav London hotspots: British Museum, Covent Garden, West End – you name it). This is an unguided tour, but it’s all about seeing this concrete jungle at your own pace, with our experts at the Contiki Hub pointing you in the direction of all the best places to visit.

Good morning London. How you spend your day will depend on your activity tickets (that we’ve already reserved for you!). Head to The Hub for all the info you’ll need about check-in. You’ve got 3 routes to choose for your day pass on the ‘Hop On Hop Off’ bus tour, and it includes audio commentary on all of London’s top fun facts too! What next? Tix to the London Eye & Thames river cruise. Be prepared for some epic views. After all that exploring, you’ll be hungry – might we recommend some fish and chips and a pint in a local pub?

Meals: Breakfast

London, it’s been a blast. Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye. But hey, you’re right next to many of London’s top attraction. So don’t pause the exploring. Stroll around Kensington Palace or visit St Paul’s Cathedral, or just visit a cute cafe in town. There’s always something to do in London.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s included

Breakfasts included on select mornings during your stay.
2 nights in a centrally located hotel in Russell Square (Royal National Hotel or similar).
1-day Hop On Hop Off bus tour pass with a choice of three routes and audio commentary.
Admission to the London Eye and a Thames River cruise for panoramic city views.
On-the-ground assistance from Contiki Travel Hub experts at the Royal National courtyard.

What’s not included

Travel insurance is not included; purchasing adequate coverage is recommended.
Lunches, dinners, and any meals not specified in the itinerary are not included.
Tips/gratuities for drivers, local guides, and other staff are not included unless otherwise stated.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically indicated on the itinerary.
Souvenirs, beverages, phone calls, laundry, and other personal expenses are not included.
No Contiki Trip Manager is included; this is an unescorted mini-stay.
Optional experiences beyond the listed inclusions (Free Time Add-Ons) are available at extra cost.
International flights to and from London are not included.
Passports, visas, and any entry requirements are the traveller’s responsibility and are not included.

Additional information

  • 2 Breakfast (B)
  • London: You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From?January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an?Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
  • London: You’ll stay in a Twin share room (meaning you’ll be paired with a fellow traveller of the same gender, and will have two separate beds). If you’re booking your trip with a friend/travel companion – just let us know, so we can join your bookings and ensure you share a room. Need a lil’ more privacy? You’re welcome to opt for a single supplement if you like.
  • London: Take the day to hop on and off as you please whilst seeing the sights from another angle
  • London: Enjoy panoramic views of the city of London and it’s impressive skyline
  • London: Cruise along the world-famous River Thames as you soak in iconic sights and scenes of this city like the Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Westminster Abbey.

Explore the Tower of London with stories from Yeoman Warders, trace centuries of intrigue in a formidable medieval fortress, and marvel at the Crown Jewels beneath sparkling vault lights.

Walk the riverside walls, spot ravens on the green and look across to Tower Bridge for photos. This optional entry is at additional cost and can be booked while in London.

Step inside St Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s baroque landmark, to admire glittering mosaics and the soaring dome. Climb to the Whispering and Stone Galleries for framed views over the City and the winding Thames.

Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, St Paul’s has hosted national services from Nelson’s funeral to WWII thanksgiving. This optional entry is at additional cost and can be booked with your team while in London.

Visit Kensington Palace, the elegant royal residence beside Hyde Park, to wander the Sunken Garden and explore exhibitions that share the stories of Queen Victoria and the modern monarchy, from stately staircases to fashion displays.

Stroll through the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments and pause in leafy Kensington Gardens for tranquil photos. This optional visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Experience a West End show in neon-lit Theatreland, choosing from world-class musicals and acclaimed plays. Settle into a grand historic auditorium as the curtain rises and the orchestra swells.

Tickets are sourced through trusted partners for convenient seating and an easy evening out. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Enjoy panoramic views on the London Eye as your glass capsule climbs above the Thames for a gentle 30-minute rotation. Spot Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, The Shard and St Paul’s while the river curves beneath and rooftops stretch to the horizon. Perfect for first-time orientation or a celebratory photo moment.

Opened for the Millennium at 135 metres, this modern icon delivers a calm, bird’s-eye sweep of the capital. Time your “flight” for sunset over the skyline to see landmarks glow and the city lights begin to sparkle.

Cruise the River Thames for a fresh perspective on London’s waterfront story. Glide past the Houses of Parliament and London Eye toward the City, sail by Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tower of London, and slip beneath the bascules of Tower Bridge.

Live or recorded commentary layers tales of frost fairs, docklands trade and wartime resilience. Open-air decks and picture windows invite you to pause for photos and reflection as the skyline shifts from the South Bank’s arts scene to gleaming financial towers.

Meet your Travel Experts at the Contiki Travel Hub in the Royal National courtyard for a friendly orientation to the city. Get curated neighbourhood pointers, transport know-how and help choosing shows, markets and galleries that match your interests—ideal when you’ve just arrived and want a game plan.

Pick up maps, tube tips and dining suggestions—from classic fish and chips to modern street food—so you can navigate like a local during your short stay. This hosted session helps you prioritise highlights without wasting precious time.

Explore London at your own pace with a 1-day pass on a multi-route sightseeing bus. Join a hop-on hop-off tour to sweep past Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, hopping off wherever curiosity strikes.

Enjoy engaging audio commentary that links royal pageantry with street-level culture, tracing the city from Roman Londinium to modern London. Convenient stops in Covent Garden, the South Bank and Notting Hill make independent exploring effortless.

Price & availability

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